Nocturnal Den Feature: Daniel Pajkurich - The Eldergloom Chronicles
Welcome back to the Den, where raccoons and storytellers gather. In this corner of the internet, I sit down with indie authors who pour their hearts into their worlds unfiltered, unpolished, and beautifully human.
Today, I’m chatting with Daniel Pajkurich, the mind behind he Eldergloom Chronicles. A story that captivated me, refused to let go, and had the perfect balance of world building and deeply human moments. Let’s dive in!
Meet the Storyteller
Van: How would you describe yourself ? Not as an author, but as a storyteller?
Daniel: You know what I do? I write intimate apocalypses. I don’t give you grand battles, I give you a retail manager watching reality unravel through the patterns in merchandise displays. I don’t hand you chosen ones, I give you a grandpa reading bedtime stories while cosmic forces whisper through his library. I make the end of worlds feel like family dinner where everyone’s pretending the wallpaper isn’t reorganizing itself. My gift is making the impossible deeply personal. When spirits rise from marshes, they’re not generic undead, they’re artists mourning unfinished masterpieces. When reality tears open, it happens in a Nebraska greenhouse surrounded by ivy that learned to sing. I understand that the scariest transformation isn’t body horror, it’s becoming something your grandson might not recognize as his Pops anymore. I write grief so tenderly it becomes power. The Neverborn aren’t just spooky, they’re heartbreak given form, and I honor that. Vaughn doesn’t defeat sorrow; he witnesses it, holds it, remembers it. That’s what I believe matters. My pacing is deliberately suffocating. I let dread accumulate like frost on windows, spiraling tighter through family routines and retail shifts until the ordinary becomes unbearable. Then I release it in moments of cosmic violence that still center on connection, a grandfather’s love, a mother’s protectiveness, a child’s wisdom. I tell stories about the most terrifying question there is: not “Will they survive?” but “Will they still be themselves when it’s over?” And I make you care desperately about the answer. That’s who I am as a storyteller. I find the human heart beating inside cosmic horror and refuse to let go.
Van: Oh, my goodness, well said and a powerful start! That was so beautiful, and because I’ve read your book, I one hundred percent can see what you’re saying and see that in your book.
Van: What first pulled you toward writing? Was it a single story, a person, or a moment?
Daniel: It was definitely playing Dungeons and Dragons as a teenager as the only person in the group with the patience to DM. I’ve been creating and writing for 75% of my life, but finally decided it was time to publish.
Van: I love D&D! I enjoyed playing myself, and I didn’t realize how much the Dungeon Masters really do a lot of writing! Not just write, but optional plot lines like a puzzle or those games you play where your choice matters. DM’s have to write them too!
Van: Coffee, tea, or chaos? What fuels your writing sessions?
Daniel: Coffee with a dash of chaos that is my Apple music. I crafted a playlist that I felt embodied my first novel and looped it.
Van: Ooo! I love it! A currated playlist!
On Writing and the Indie Journey
Van: What inspired your first book, and how has your writing evolved since then?
Daniel: The inspiration started off wanting to create and leave something tangible in this world. I have always ever had one fear and thats Alzheimers (runs in the family) so that really fueled the theme of the book. I think my evolved a few times during the writing of Wielder of the Wraithfire. I have 3 proof copies to back that up! The book underwent drastic changes from its first iteration to it final form.
Van: Now that you say that, I remember reading that in the dedication of your book… but hearing you say it resonates so much more. I hope your future readers take a pause to listen, and what a beautiful way for you future family to remember you. It’s beautiful. Thank you for sharing something so vulnerable.
Van: What made you choose the indie route over traditional publishing?
Daniel: Creative Rights for sure. In no world would I give up my creations for money, marketing, or exposure. I will do it my way even if it means a much lower reach. Its still mine 100%
Van: Well said! I hear from other indie authors, that’s the number one or biggest reason why they self publish.
Van: What’s been your proudest moment as an indie author?
Daniel: Hitting that publish button for sure. Knowing that its done and headed to the world.
Van: I just have to say, as a fan, I was so proud that you even did book signings. It was a wonderful moment to see you glow, and I think you should be proud of that too!
Van: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting their indie journey?
Daniel: Don’t quit. Stay focused. Its a hard road but anything in life thats worth it typically is. Make sure you make other author friends along the way so it doesnt feel lonely indie authors are amazing support.
Don’t quit. Stay focused. Its a hard road but anything in life thats worth it typically is. Make sure you make other author friends along the way so it doesnt feel lonely indie authors are amazing support.
Van: I totally agree with you! It feels good when other indie authors support! It hits different when it’s an indie. They understand all the faces you have to put on to promote your work.
Worlds, Characters, and Chaos
Van: What comes to you first? World, character, or conflict?
Daniel: Character
Van: I can totally see that as your opening scene painted Vaughn so well.
Van: Do your characters ever surprise you by doing something you didn’t plan?
Daniel: Yes… they are in charge.
Van: *laughs* Oh, my goodness, I wasn’t expecting that answer, that’s hilarious! And your right!
Van: If you could live in one of your own stories for a week, would you? Why or why not?
Daniel: Yes! I have a unpublished work that is a more upbeat fantasy that asks the question what would happen if our world’s technology us but as a result magic and fae return as a result.
Van: Hold the phone! You caught me with another book you’re working on? I am so excited to hear more about that! You do such a good job with world building, I cannot wait to see this one. Especially now based on your answer.
Creativity and Inspiration
Van: How do you refill your creative well when you’re running on empty?
Daniel: Anime, Video Games, Reading in no particular order
Van: Yessssssss, I love it!
Van: Who are the artists, writers, or musicians who influence your voice?
Daniel: Stephen King, Michael Moorcock, Hideyuki Kikuchi for authors. Stabbing Westward, AFI, and Classical for music.
Van: As a person who loves your work, I totally see Stephen King. There were some haunting moments, and I loved every bit! Your book is perfect for spooky season!
Van: How do you define success as a writer, beyond sales or numbers?
Daniel: It was never about the sales or numbers it was about sharing my stories and the thought that it could in fact influence someone else to follow their dream.
Van: A beautiful and true storytellers mission! I love it!
Rapid Fire
Van: Favorite comfort read?
Daniel: Villains by Necessity by Eve Forward. My mother gave it to me and is one of the few things I have left to remind me of her.
Van: Someone needs to protect this storyteller at all costs! That’s so heartwarmingly beautiful. Thank you for sharing that. That probably wasn’t easy.
Van: Song that sums up your current WIP?
Daniel: Blind and Frozen by Beast in Black for book 2 (currently untitled) in the Eldergloom Chronicles
Van: Oh my lanta, you are spoiling me during this interview! I knew there was going to be a book two, but to have it confirmed is totally amazing news!
Van: Dream collaboration?
Daniel: Oh with Mary Shelly hands down. Frankenstein is my favorite overall novel and she is the reason we have modern horror. My work doesn’t exist without her.
Van: Ooo! I’ve never read her work, but if it’s a classic, I need to add it to my TBR.
Van: One line from your writing you’ll never forget?
Daniel: “Love is not consumed by flame. Love is what makes flame into light — consider the lighthouse, its purpose to guide lost travelers to safety.”
Van: Chapter 17… I had to highlight that in your book too. So poetic and pure.
Van: What’s next for you?
Daniel: Continue work on book 2 of The Eldergloom Chronicles. It will be a slow and steady pace because I am currently nearing my final stretch of college (yes did that to!) I am set to graduate in April so time for the book process is not as abundant at the moment.
Van: Oh my goodness! What can’t you do! I love that the more I get to know you, you are that lovely saying: Jack of All Trades, Master of None. I hope you continue your amazing journey, and a early congratulations!
Where to Find Daniel Pajkurich
Follow Daniel and explore his stories here:
Instagram: [here]
Amazon: [here]
Goodreads: [here]
Barns and Noble: [here]
Final Thoughts from the Den
Every storyteller leaves fragments of themselves woven into their work. Daniel’s words remind us that those pieces can endure, that courage often blooms alongside fear, and that the journey feels far less daunting when we walk it together. Even strangers can become kindred spirits when we share the same purpose: to tell stories.
If you enjoyed this interview, share it, leave a comment, or let me know which indie author you’d love to see next in the Den.
Until next time — stay curious, stay creative, and keep the night light on.
Daniel’s The Eldergloom Chronicles8
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